Former U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard’s remarks about Curaçao ahead of the expanded 2026 World Cup draw criticism, according to reports. Howard is cited as saying Curaçao would be “smoked” and that the team would concede more than 20 goals in the tournament. Coverage notes that the comments prompted a backlash from Curaçao supporters and others who reacted publicly online.
The reports frame the episode as an exchange involving pre-tournament predictions and social media reactions, with Howard’s statements becoming a focal point. Both accounts reference the same core claim: that Howard projected a heavily negative outcome for Curaçao, including a large goal conceded figure. In response, people in Curaçao appear to have taken issue with the tone and substance of the prediction, amplifying the dispute through online discussion.
The reporting does not indicate any official response from team or federation officials, focusing instead on the public reaction to Howard’s comments as the controversy develops.
